'Better Connection With Team-Mates Because...': Arne Slot Attributes Florian Wirtz's Turn In Form To Growing Liverpool Familiarity

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 17:12 IST

Slot attributed star midfielder Wirtz's recent upturn in fortunes at the Merseyside club, following a slow start to life in England, to familiarity with the team and surroundings

Liverpool boss Arne Slot attributed star midfielder Florian Wirtz’s recent upturn in fortunes at the Merseyside club, following a slow start to life in England, to familiarity with the team and surroundings.

The 22-year-old German, who arrived at Anfield from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen for a whopping £100 million, had a tough start to life in the Premier League with no assists or goals for nearly five months, until he set up Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in December.

The youngster netted his first goal for the club a week later and seems to be settling into a rhythm at the club. And ahead of Liverpool’s home fixture against Manchester City, Wirtz is on a fine run of six goals in his last 10 appearances for Slort and Co.

“I think it’s all, first and foremost, always credit to the player because he has to do the work not only on the pitch, also in the gym," Slot said.

“And then as a manager, even if he is maybe physically struggling a little bit in the start, you need to keep on playing him because that’s the only way players can improve," the Dutchman added.

“Maybe now he has a better connection with his team-mates because he played more and more together," said Slot.

“That’s also what you get if you play them more and more together. But off the ball I see the biggest improvement with him and with some others."

“That combination makes you ready for the Premier League, because the Premier League is about both. It’s not only on the ball, it’s also definitely off the ball," Slot said.

Slot’s decision to ignore the initial criticism of Wirtz and keep fielding him in his side is certainly now reaping dividends.

Fixtures between Liverpool and Manchester City have often been pivotal in the PL title race in recent years, but this time around, Liverpool, who are 14 points behind leaders Arsenal fight for different reasons.

“It’s another moment for us to see where we are in the development of this team," said Slot ahead of Sunday’s clash against City.

“We also know the importance of a result on Sunday but that goes for all the 20 teams that are playing this weekend in the Premier League.

“It’s the end phase of the season so results matter more and more. City are a very good team that were even able to win on Wednesday against Newcastle who we beat during the weekend not even with their starters. That tells you… what a force City still is and always will be," he concluded.

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